I had one of those "Duh" moments today. I was picking up something for my sister at on of those Oak furniture stores. When I signed for it, of course, I used my own pen. The woman asked where I got it. After I told her that I had made it myself, she asked if I had ever made one from Oak. My response was not yet, but I had made them from many other different woods including Maple, and Cherry.

Any of your oak will work if you work it right. Start with dry wood. You can solve the open pore issues by sanding to 240 or so and sealing with thin CA. Sand starting with 240 and working all the way up. You can then finish as usual. Would be a great time to try a CA finish if you've never tried it. Just build coats of Med. CA. Sand between coats with 1000-2000 grit and you'll end up with a great finish after about 4 coats.Rev. Doug Miller